Feet Are a Treat for Fungi

Smelly, itchy feet are constant reminders that we share our bodies with fungi. But just how many and what kinds? A new genetic survey has uncovered an incredible diversity of fungi on the feet, with different communities in the heel, toenail, and space between the third and fourth toes. The bottom of the heel alone hosts 80 different types, and if cataloged by species, the tally would likely be an order of magnitude higher. Fungi in each of these communities were similar from one person to the next, except in a woman who had a persistent toenail infection: She had lots of other fungi not found on the other nine people, indicating that more kinds of fungi could take up residence in the feet if they had the opportunity…